Vir Das Explains Why He Made His New Netflix Special ‘Losing It’ So Personal

By early 2017, Netflix was already a dominant force in the stand-up comedy special business in the United States, but the streamer wanted more. Hence why the platform’s then-burgeoning efforts to expand its global reach with original content began including new specials from comedians who either weren’t from the U.S. or spoke languages other than English. And one of the first major names Netflix decided to feature in these efforts was Vir Das.

With Abroad Understanding, the Bollywood comedy star formally introduced himself to American audiences for the first time with a massive special that combined shows filmed in New Delhi and New York. The gambit worked, as Das was subsequently able to embark on an international tour with U.S. dates. It also earned big viewing numbers for Netflix, who surprised the comic with a deal for two new specials. The first of these, Losing It, premiered earlier this week.